Labella seeks understanding as seniors aid may be delayed

CEBU, Philippines —  Registered senior citizens in Cebu City may have to wait a little longer before they can receive their cash assistance from the city government.

Mayor Edgardo Labella has announced that the distribution of cash aid for senior citizens might get slightly delayed owing to the extended renewal of business permits.

He appealed for patience and understanding from the seniors.

“Basin karong Marso nato ma-distribute. Atong paningkamotan,”he said.

The mayor said he already directed the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) to prepare the payroll to ensure the smooth distribution of cash aid during the final schedule.

The aid amounting to P3,000 covers the months of January, February and March.

City Ordinance 2453 provides that registered senior citizens of Cebu City are entitled to receive financial assistance of P1,000 a month or a total of P12,000 a year.

To maintain social distancing, the distribution of the financial assistance for the said months shall be done through house-to-house.

Beneficiaries are required to wear face masks at all times during the distribution.

The mayor is hoping that majority of qualified senior citizens would receive their cash cards by the first quarter of the year to avoid drawing large crowds during distribution. The cash cards are given for free.

Once received, the seniors will get/withdraw their cash aid using the card.

The city has more than 80,000 senior citizens listed under the senior financial aid program. — KQD (FREEMAN)